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Report: Redskins activate RB Byron Marshall from Injured Reserve

By Jacob Camenker

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Byron Marshall #34 of the Washington Redskins runs in for a touchdown past Duron Harmon #21 of the New England Patriots during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Byron Marshall #34 of the Washington Redskins runs in for a touchdown past Duron Harmon #21 of the New England Patriots during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Redskins made another roster move on Saturday. They activated Byron Marshall from Injured Reserve to provide depth at running back.

Every year, teams across the NFL are able to designate two players to return from Injured Reserve. This rule is relatively new but it is one that has benefitted injury-plagued teams immensely over the course of the last few seasons. And the Redskins are one of them.

The Redskins have now officially used their two “IR-Designated for Return” tags. Earlier in the week, they activated seventh-round pick, Trey Quinn, to provide some extra depth at receiver. And on Saturday, ESPN’s John Keim is reporting that the team is going to activate Byron Marshall to join the team.

Marshall was one of the many players that got run at running back for the ‘Skins last season. Signed midway through the year, Marshall provided a bit as a return man and a receiving back before suffering a hamstring that prematurely ended his season. Still, Jay Gruden and company liked what they saw out of Marshall enough to keep him on the roster this summer. And in his time on the unit, he impressed.

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Marshall is a hybrid back/receiver that will be a hyper-versatile option for the Redskins. Had he not suffered an ankle injury in the preseason, it’s possible that he would have made the roster as the team’s fourth running back. With Chris Thompson hurting, Marshall could take on some snaps right away as a receiver. At the very least, he will be a threat to take some snaps from Kapri Bibbs (though Bibbs has fared well as a receiver so far).

What wasn’t made immediately clear is the corresponding move to activating Marshall. The team will have to open up a roster spot, and it will be interesting to see what how they choose to do that. One option is to potentially stash RB Samaje Perine on IR as he now has a calf injury. The other options to cut would be a receiver like Jehu Chesson or Michael Floyd, or one of the team’s rush linebackers like Pernell McPhee or Cassanova McKinzy.

If I were making the decisions, I’d be apt to part with a receiver because the return of Quinn gives the team enough depth there to field a functional lineup. Either way, it will be interesting to see what they choose to do.

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Overall, this is a fine move. Marshall has some upside and should help fill in for Thompson. The team also couldn’t go into game-day with just two running backs, so adding a third in this manner was certainly sensible. Hopefully, Marshall will be able to make an impact and give Alex Smith another versatile weapon to improve the Redskins offense.

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